Splitboard binding apparatus and systems

ABSTRACT

In some embodiments, a binding apparatus is provided for use with a splitboard to convert the splitboard between a ride mode and a tour mode. Apparatus may include a binding interface that is configured to engage with multiple interfaces of a binding system. For example, a binding interface may be configured to engage with, or selectively attach to, two or more of a ride mode interface, a tour mode interface, a heel lock down interface, a heel riser interface, a riser and heel lock down interface, a crampon interface, and a snow shoe interface. A heel riser interface may comprise at least one height position configured to raise a user&#39;s heel while climbing an incline, such as a mountain or hill. The heel riser interface may also be configured to securely connect a heel of a binding interface to a splitboard.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of, and priority to, U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/481,132, filed on Apr. 29, 2011, entitled “Splitboard Binding Apparatus,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to split snowboards, also known as splitboards, and includes the disclosure of binding apparatus and systems relating to, or configured to be used with, a splitboard for converting the splitboard between a snowboard for riding downhill in ride mode and touring skis for climbing up hill in tour mode.

BACKGROUND

Splitboards are used for accessing backcountry terrain. Splitboards have a “ride mode” and a “tour mode.” In ride mode, the splitboard is configured with at least two skis held together to form a board similar to a snowboard with bindings mounted somewhat perpendicular to the edges of the splitboard. In ride mode, a user can ride the splitboard down a mountain or other decline, similar to a snowboard. In tour mode, the at least two skis of the splitboard are separated and configured with bindings that are typically mounted like a cross country free heel ski binding. In tour mode, a user normally attaches skins to create traction when climbing up a hill. In some instances, additional traction beyond what the skins provide is desirable and crampons are used. When a user reaches the top of the hill or desired location the user can change the splitboard from tour mode to ride mode and snowboard down the hill. There are relatively few inventions that provide this basic splitboard functionality.

With the growth of splitboarding in recent years, users seek more functionality similar to alpine touring ski set ups. Alpine touring ski set ups allow a user to skate ski out of flat areas such as cross country trails, forest service roads, frozen lakes, valley bottoms, etc. The ability to lock the heel of the binding down from a free heel configuration has been unique to alpine touring bindings as they are used for alpine skiing with the heel locked down. Splitboarders have attempted to find ways to lock their heels down in tour mode for applications such as skating out of flat areas, traversing, and side stepping. One way users have done this by lashing the heels of their bindings with rope or straps to attachments on the skis. However, this method requires substantial time to set up and still does not provide proper support to the user. Other users have gone away from using snowboard boots and started using ski boots to allow the use of existing alpine touring ski binding technology for the tour mode. The use of such bindings for the tour mode allows a user to tour lock their heels down when desired, but using ski boots for snowboarding is undesirable for many snowboarders. Ski boots typically prevent lateral ankle movements, dorsiflexion of the ankle, and plantarflexion of the ankle. Such constraints take away from the surfy feel of snowboarding. The transition for snowboarders to go from snowboard boots to ski boots is difficult. Additionally, mounting such alpine touring bindings to production splitboards typically involves the use of custom mounting brackets, which add additional weight to the splitboard.

SUMMARY

Some embodiments provide an apparatus for use on a splitboard to convert the splitboard between a ride mode and a tour mode. The apparatus may comprise a binding interface that includes a first attachment portion, a second attachment portion generally opposing the first attachment portion, and a third attachment portion disposed generally between the first attachment portion and the second attachment portion. The binding interface may be configured to removably attach to a ride mode interface of a splitboard in a ride mode configuration and to removably attach to a tour mode interface of a splitboard in a tour mode configuration. The first attachment portion of the binding interface may be configured to engage the ride mode interface to secure a first portion of the binding interface to the ride mode interface. The second attachment portion of the binding interface may be configured to releasably couple a second portion of the binding interface to the ride mode interface such that the first portion of the binding interface generally opposes the second portion of the binding interface. The third attachment portion of the binding interface may be configured to engage more than one interface. In such embodiments, the binding interface securely joins splitboard halves to form a snowboard when the binding interface is attached to the ride mode interface.

In some embodiments, a system for use with a splitboard to convert the splitboard between a ride mode and a tour mode is provided. The system may comprise a binding interface and a heel riser interface. The binding interface may be configured to removably attach to a ride mode interface in a ride mode configuration and to removably attach to a tour mode interface in a tour mode configuration. The heel riser interface may comprise at least one height position configured to raise a user's heels while climbing. At least one component of the heel riser interface may also be configured to selectively lock a heel of the binding interface down when the binding interface is attached to the tour mode interface.

In some embodiments, a heel lock down interface is provided for use with a splitboard binding attached to a tour mode of a splitboard binding apparatus. The heel lock down interface may comprise a heel riser system comprising at least one component. The at least one component of the heel riser system may be configured to lock the heel of the splitboard binding down to a splitboard ski.

For purposes of the present disclosure and summarizing distinctions from the prior art, certain aspects of the apparatus, systems, and methods have been described above and will be described further below. Of course, it is to be understood that not necessarily all such aspects may be present in any particular embodiment. Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will recognize that the apparatus, systems, and methods may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one aspect or group of aspects as taught herein without necessarily achieving other aspects as may be taught or suggested herein. All of these embodiments are intended to be within the scope of the present disclosure herein disclosed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the disclosed apparatus, systems, and methods will now be described in connection with embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, which are schematic and not necessarily to scale. The illustrated embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the apparatus, systems, and methods. The drawings include the following figures, which can be briefly described as follows:

FIG. 1 is a top view of an embodiment of the splitboard binding apparatus attached to a splitboard in ride configuration.

FIG. 2 is a top view of an embodiment of the splitboard binding apparatus attached to a splitboard in tour configuration.

FIG. 3A shows a first embodiment of a ride mode interface.

FIG. 3B shows a second embodiment of a ride mode interface.

FIG. 4 is an isometric view of an embodiment of a binding interface.

FIG. 5A is a detailed view of an embodiment of a retractable pin of the binding interface of FIG. 4 in the extended position.

FIG. 5B is a detailed view of the retractable pin of FIG. 5A in the retracted position.

FIG. 5C is a second embodiment of a retractable pin in the closed position.

FIG. 5D is a second embodiment of a retractable pin in the open position.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are perspective views of the binding interface of FIG. 4 and the ride mode interface of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 6C is a perspective view of a binding interface and a ride mode interface showing preloading characteristics of a binding system.

FIG. 7A is an isometric view of an embodiment of a tour mode interface in a closed position.

FIG. 7B is an isometric view of the tour mode interface of FIG. 7A in an open position.

FIG. 7C is an isometric view of the binding interface of FIG. 4 removably and pivotably attached to the tour mode interface of FIG. 7A.

FIG. 7D is a section view of binding interface of FIG. 4 and the tour mode interface of FIG. 7A.

FIGS. 8A-E show a first set of embodiments of a heel lock down interface.

FIGS. 9A-9C show a second embodiment of a riser and heel lock down interface combined with a heel riser interface.

FIGS. 10A-10D show side views of the second embodiment of a riser and heel lock down interface in different configurations.

FIGS. 11A-11C show a side view of the second embodiment of a riser and heel lock down interface with a binding and a tour mode interface.

FIGS. 12A and 12B show isometric views of the second embodiment of a riser and heel lock down interface with a binding and a tour mode interface in the free heel position.

FIGS. 12C and 12D show isometric views of the second embodiment of a riser and heel lock down interface with a binding entering into the heel locked down position.

FIGS. 12E and 12F show isometric views of the second embodiment of a riser and heel lock down interface with a binding and a tour mode interface in the heel locked down position.

FIG. 13A is a detailed cross sectional side view of a second embodiment of a riser and heel lock down interface with the climbing risers in the different positions.

FIG. 13B is a detailed cross sectional side view of a second embodiment of a riser and heel lock down interface.

FIG. 13C is a bottom view of a second embodiment of a riser and heel lock down interface.

FIG. 14A is a side view of an embodiment of a binding with a crampon removably attached.

FIG. 14B is an isometric view of an embodiment of a binding with a crampon removably attached.

FIG. 14C is a side view of an embodiment of a binding with a crampon in the removable configuration.

FIG. 14D is an isometric view of an embodiment of a binding with a crampon in the removable configuration.

FIGS. 15A and 15B show a perspective view of a binding interface and a snow shoe interface.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present disclosure include binding apparatus and systems for use on, or involving, a splitboard for converting the splitboard between a snowboard for riding downhill in ride mode and touring skis for climbing uphill in tour mode. In some embodiments, a splitboard binding apparatus and/or system can include a binding interface configured to receive a snowboard boot and removably and interchangeably attach to a ride mode interface and a tour mode interface, a ride mode interface for removably attaching the binding interface to the splitboard in a ride mode such that the binding interface is positioned in a snowboard stance, and a tour mode interface for pivotably and removably attaching the binding interface to the separated touring skis of the splitboard in a tour mode such that the binding interface is positioned in a touring stance.

As explained in more detail below, in some embodiments, while in the touring configuration, the binding interface can quickly and easily attach to a heel lock down interface for applications such as skating out of flat areas, traversing, or side stepping.

Existing splitboard systems lack heel lock down capability while alpine touring ski systems have the ability to lock the heel down. With the ability to lock the heel down, users of alpine touring ski gear can skate with less effort by being able to push off of the tips of their skis, using their skis like spring elements to propel them forward. Without the heel locked down, when a splitboarder tries to skate the ski pivots at the tour pivot thus not allowing the user to take advantage of the skis as spring elements to propel them forward with less energy. In addition to skating, a heel lock down allows a user to side step up steep terrain. The tour mode of most splitboards allows the skis' tips to rise with each step to keep them above the snow. Having the tips rise with each step makes it difficult to side step because the skis will not stay perpendicular to the fall line. With the use of a heel lock down a splitboarder can keep their skis perpendicular to the fall line and step up an incline, mountain, or hill more easily.

Major challenges to creating a heel lock down for a splitboard system include at least the following: (1) working within the existing mounting hole patterns on production splitboards; (2) adding the heel lock down without substantially increasing the system weight; (3) creating the heel lock down such that the user can easily engage or disengage the feature; (4) creating a heel lock down that does not add additional mechanical complexity and cost; and (5) and creating a heel lock down interface that does not take away from the overall performance and feel of snowboarding. An example of compromised feel or performance would be using alpine touring ski bindings for the tour mode and heel lock down feature, which requires a user to snowboard in stiff ski boots taking away from the snowboarding feel and performance. Embodiments of the unique designs described herein overcome these numerous challenges by creating features with multiple uses on either the binding interface or other interfaces.

In some embodiments, while in the touring configuration, the binding interface can also quickly and easily attach to a crampon without removing the binding interface from the tour mode interface.

Other splitboard systems on the market typically require removal of the binding interface from the tour mode interface to attach a crampon. The ability to quickly attach the crampon without removing the binding interface from the tour mode interface is very desirable because users can find themselves in icy situations where removal of the binding interface is not feasible or possible. An additional feature of some embodiments of the crampon is that it is fixed to the binding interface allowing it to be used as a boot crampon when the binding interface is not attached to the tour mode interface.

In some embodiments, the binding interface can also quickly and easily attach to a snow shoe without removing the binding interface from a user's boot. This allows the user to quickly and easily transfer from tour mode skis to snow shoes to climb terrain too steep to ascend with splitboard skis in tour mode.

In some embodiments, the binding interface is configured to engage with multiple interfaces of a binding system and/or apparatus. For example, a portion of the binding interface can be configured to engage with more than one interface of the binding system and/or apparatus. In some embodiments, a portion of the binding interface is configured to engage with, or selectively attach to, two or more of a ride mode interface, a tour mode interface, a heel lock down interface, a heel riser interface, a riser and heel lock down interface, a crampon interface, and a snow shoe interface. Advantageously, this allows the binding interface to engage with multiple interfaces of the binding system and/or apparatus by using minimal parts or components, thereby providing a binding interface that is relatively lightweight yet able to quickly and easily engage with different interfaces and provide enhanced functionality.

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate an embodiment of a splitboard binding apparatus 10. FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the splitboard binding apparatus 10 mounted to a splitboard having a first ski 11 and a second ski 12 that when combined as shown can create a snowboard 13. In at least one embodiment, the splitboard binding apparatus 10 can be configured to selectively join the first ski 11 and the second ski 12 of the splitboard and/or allow the user to selectively ride the splitboard in either a ride mode or a tour mode.

According to one example embodiment, the splitboard binding apparatus 10 may include one or more board joining devices with a latch side 16 and a catch side 17 configured to join the first ski 11 to the second ski 12 to form a snowboard 13. The board joining devices with the latch side 16 and the catch side 17 may be connected to the skis 11, 12 and positioned at any point along the length thereof. In one implementation, a first board joining device with the latch side 16 and the catch side 17 can be positioned a distance away from the tips of the skis 11, 12 and a second board joining device with the latch side 16 and the catch side 17 can be positioned a distance away from the tails of the skis 11, 12. In further implementations, the splitboard binding apparatus 10 may include any number of board joining devices with the latch side 16 and the catch side 17 as desired, such as one board joining device with the latch side 16 and the catch side 17 or three or more board joining devices with the latch side 16 and the catch side 17 positioned at any point(s) along the length of the splitboard.

In further implementations, the splitboard binding apparatus 10 can include a nose clip 14 configured to couple the tips of the skis 11, 12 together. The nose clip 14 may be further configured to resist relative movement between the tips of the skis 11, 12 in at least one direction. In yet further embodiments, the splitboard binding apparatus can include a tail clip 15 configured to couple the tails of the skis 11, 12 together and resist relative movement between the tails of the skis in at least one direction. For example, FIG. 1 shows the splitboard in a ride mode configuration where board joining devices with the latch side 16 and the catch side 17 join the first ski 11 and second ski 12 together to form the snowboard 13, and nose clip 14 and tail clip 15 prevent shear movement and/or scissoring of the tips and tails of skis 11, 12.

The splitboard binding apparatus 10 may also include one or more binding interfaces 40 configured to couple to a user's feet and/or boots and selectively attach to one or more additional interfaces of the splitboard binding apparatus 10 in a variety of configurations. In particular, as shown in FIG. 1, the binding interfaces 40 may be configured to selectively attach to one or more ride mode interfaces 30 in a snowboard stance in order to allow the user to operate the splitboard in ride mode. In turn, the one or more ride mode interfaces 30 may be connected to and/or assist in joining the first ski 11 and second ski 12.

As shown in FIG. 2, in further implementations, a user may separate the first ski 11 from the second ski 12 in order to ride the splitboard in tour mode. For example, FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of the splitboard of FIG. 1 in tour mode, wherein the board joining devices with latch side 16 and catch side 17, nose clip 14, and tail clip 15 are uncoupled and the first ski 11 and second ski 12 are separated. In particular, the board joining devices with latch side 16 and catch side 17 may include a buckle element 61 and a hook element 62 that are selectively uncoupled to separate the first ski 11 from the second ski 12 to allow a user to operate the splitboard in a tour mode configuration. In addition, the ride mode interfaces 30 may separate and/or move to facilitate use of the splitboard in tour mode. For example, the ride mode interfaces 30 may include a toe receiving mechanism 31 and a heel receiving mechanism 32.

In further implementations, the binding interfaces 40 can selectively couple to the separated skis 11, 12 in a touring stance. For example, the binding interfaces 40 may pivotally and removably attach to one or more tour mode interfaces 70 connected to the skis 11, 12. Accordingly, the tour mode interfaces 70 may allow the user to operate the skis 11, 12 in a tour mode, such as to ascend a slope or hill.

FIG. 3A illustrates an isometric view of a ride mode interface 30. In one implementation, the ride mode interface 30 can include at least one toe receiving mechanism 31 mounted to either the first ski 11 or second ski 12 and at least one heel receiving mechanism 32 mounted to the other of the first ski 11 or second ski 12. The toe receiving mechanism 31 can be configured to receive, engage, and/or secure a first attachment pin (e.g., first attachment pin 45, which is shown in FIG. 4) and can include a toe pin attachment 33 comprising one or more tabs configured to receive the first attachment pin 45 of a binding interface 40 (also shown in FIG. 4). The toe receiving mechanism 31 can also include an arced slot 34 for mounting to either the first ski 11 or second ski 12. In a further implementation, the arced slot 34 can allow for angular adjustment of the ride mode interface 30 with respect to the splitboard. In further implementations, the toe receiving mechanism 31 can include a seam flange 39 with an opening 301, such as slots configured to receive a pin. The toe receiving mechanism 31 can include a stiffening member 302 to reduce the bending in the toe receiving mechanism 31. The heel receiving mechanism 32 can be configured to include flanges 37 with pin attachments 35, such as slots configured to receive a pin, spaced apart to receive the heel side portion 115 of the binding interface 30. The heel receiving mechanism 32 may also include an arced slot 37 for mounting to either the first ski 11 or second ski 12. In addition, the arced slot 37 can allow for angular adjustment of the ride mode interface 100 with respect to the splitboard. The heel receiving mechanism 32 can include a seam shear tab 38 which extends over the seam between first ski 11 and second ski 12 to prevent scissoring or shear movement between the first ski 11 and second ski 12.

In some embodiments, a seam flange 39 for receiving a portion of the binding interface 40 can also be a separate component from toe receiving mechanism 31 and mounted to ski 11 or 12. The seam flange 39 can also be part of the heel receiving mechanism 32.

FIG. 3B is an isometric view of a second embodiment the ride mode interface 30. Many features are similar and will be given like numbers that are described in FIG. 3A. A toe receiving mechanism 306 can have a shear tab 303. A heel receiving mechanism 307 can have a shear tab 304. In some embodiments, the shear tab 303 of the toe receiving mechanism 306 prevents the first ski 11 from moving upward, while the shear tab 304 of the heel receiving mechanism 307 prevents the second ski 12 from moving upward.

FIG. 4 illustrates an isometric view of the binding interface 40. In one implementation, the binding interface 40 can be configured to receive a user's boot, such as a snowboard boot, and to selectively and removably attach to the ride mode interface 30 and tour mode interface 70. In one implementation, the binding interface 40 can include a heel cup 41, a first side 42, a second side 43, a toe side base portion 44 with a first attachment 45, and a heel side base portion 50 with a second attachment 53. In one embodiment, the first attachment 45 can be a toe pin and the second attachment 53 can be a retractable pin. In addition, the second attachment retractable pin 53 can be configured to slide in and out of heel side base portion 50 to allow for attachment to the pin attachment 35 of the heel receiving mechanism 32.

In particular, FIG. 5A illustrates a detailed view showing the second attachment retractable pin 53 extending out of the heel side base portion 50 of the binding interface 40. Heel side base portion 50 can include a lever 51, shown here in the closed position, where the lever 51 pulls on drive pin 54 which pulls on linkage 55 which pulls on yoke linkage 56 which in turn pushes linkages 53 which extend second attachment retractable pins 53 and yoke linkage 56 also pushes linkage 58 extending a seam pin 52.

FIG. 5B illustrates a detailed view showing the second attachment retractable pin 53 retracted into the heel side base portion 50 of the binding interface 40. The lever 51 is shown in the open position where the lever 51 pushes on drive pin 54 which pushes on linkage 55 which pushes on yoke linkage 56 which pulls on linkages 53 which retract second attachment retractable pins 53 into the heel side base portion 50.

FIG. 5C illustrates a detailed view showing a second embodiment 500 of the heel side attachment 50 of FIG. 4, where certain features described above may not be repeated with respect to this embodiment. Like features may be given like reference numerals. The second embodiment 500 includes an over-center stop 59. When the lever 51 is in the closed position yoke linkage 56 contacts over-center stop 59 which makes it so an increased amount of force is required to open lever 51. FIG. 5D shows the second embodiment 500 with the lever 51 in the open position.

In further embodiments, some or all of the features and components of the binding interface 40 can be integrated into a boot.

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of the binding interface 40 attached to the ride mode interface 30. The first attachment pin 45 of the binding interface 40 engages the pin attachment 33 of the toe receiving mechanism 31. The lever 51 of the heel side base portion 50 of the binding interface 40 is in the closed position with second attachment retractable pins 53 extending through pin attachments 35 of the heel receiving mechanism 32 of the ride mode interface 30 and the seam pin 52 extending through the opening 301 of toe receiving mechanism 31 of ride mode interface 30 preventing the seam between the first ski 11 and second ski 12 from bowing downward. The seam pin 52 of the binding interface 40 can pull up on the seam flange 39 or the ride mode interface 30, thus pulling the binding interface 40 down to the splitboard for a tight fit.

FIG. 6B is a perspective view of the binding interface 40 released from the ride mode interface 30. The lever 51 of the heel side base portion 50 of the binding interface 40 is in the open position as shown in FIG. 5B. The second attachment retractable pins 53 (not shown) and the seam pin 52 retract into the heel side base portion 50 and the second attachment retractable pins 53 disengage from the pin attachments 35 of the heel receiving mechanism 32 of the ride mode interface 30 and the seam pin 52 disengages from the opening 301 of the toe receiving mechanism 31 of the ride mode interface 30. The binding interface 40 can pivot upward about the first attachment pin 45, which is engaged on the pin attachment 33 of the toe receiving mechanism 31 allowing the binding interface 40 to fully disengage from the ride mode interface 30.

FIG. 6C is a perspective view showing the preloading of the binding interface 40 to the snowboard 13 through the ride mode interface 30. The dashed arrows show the components of the bindings interface 40 (e.g., the first attachment pin 45, seam pin 52, and retractable pins 53) pulling the ride mode interface 30 and the connected snowboard 13 up, thus preloading the snowboard 13 to the binding interface 40. The solid arrows show components of the ride mode interface 30 (e.g., the pin attachments 33, seam flange 39, and pin attachments 35) pulling the binding interface 40 down, thus preloading the binding interface 40 to the snowboard 13.

Numerous embodiments of the binding interface removably attaching to the ride mode interface may fall within the scope of the embodiments disclosed herein. For example, components of the binding interface 40 can function on either the toe side portion 44 of the binding interface 40 or the heel side portion 50 of the binding interface 40 without departing from the scope of the embodiments disclosed herein. Similarly, components of the ride mode interface 30 can function on either the toe receiving mechanism 31 or the heel receiving mechanism 32 without departing from the scope of the embodiments disclosed herein.

FIGS. 7A to 7D illustrate various views of an embodiment of a tour mode interface 70. In one implementation, the tour mode interface 70 can include a base portion 75 with recesses 74 configured to receive a pin, such as the first attachment pin 45 of the binding interface 40 (shown, for example, in FIGS. 4, 6A, and 6B). In addition, the tour mode interface 70 can include a slideable clip 71 configured to releasably engage and/or secure a pin received within the recesses 74.

In further implementations, the tour mode interface 70 can include a lever 73 and linkages 72 configured to operate, such as open and close, the tour mode interface 70. For example, a user can operate the lever 73 to engage and disengage the clip 71 to engage and disengage a pin or pins received within the recesses 74. In one implementation, the user can move the lever 73 to a closed position, as shown in FIG. 7A. The lever 73 pushes on the linkages 72 which move the clip 58 forward and capture a pin or pins within the recesses 74. The user can then move the lever 73 to an open position, as shown in FIG. 7B. As such, the lever 73 pulls on linkages 72 which move the clip 58 backward and release the pin(s).

As shown in FIG. 7A, the lever 73 is in a closed position pushing the linkage 72 which pushes the clip 71 forward to engage a pin or pins positioned within the recesses 74. In addition, the clip 58 can allow the pin to rotate within the recesses 74 of the base portion 75 and relative to the tour mode interface 70. For example, and as shown in FIG. 7C, the binding interface 40 can be pivotally connected to the tour mode interface 50 with the first attachment pin 45 resting in the recesses 74 of base portion 75. FIG. 7D shows first attachment pin 45 of binding interface 40 with a sleeved bushing 46. The first attachment pin 45 pivots inside of the sleeved bushing 46.

FIGS. 8A to 8E illustrate examples of a first embodiment of a heel lock down interface. FIG. 8A is an isometric view of the binding interface 40 attached to the tour mode interface 70 and a heel lock down 81. FIG. 8B is a detailed view of the heel lock down 81, which can have a pin retaining opening 84 to retain a seam pin 52 of the binding interface 40. In some embodiments, the heel lock down 81 can have a forked opening 83 such that the seam pin 52 can pull out of the pin retaining opening 84 if enough upward vertical force is applied. In some embodiments, the heel lock down 81 can have a pivot 82 to allow the heel lock down 81 to spin and selectively engage the seam pin 52, as shown in FIG. 8D. When the seam pin 52 is not retained by the heel lock down 81, the binding interface 40 can freely pivot on the tour mode interface 70. FIG. 8C shows the seam pin 52 retracted and not retained by the pin retaining opening 84 of the heel lock down 81. FIG. 8E shows a detailed view of heel lock down 81 rotated about the pivot 82, thus allowing the seam pin 52 to not engage the heel lock down 81. In FIG. 8E, the heel lock down 81 is shown rotated about the pivot 82 approximately 90 degrees counter-clockwise compared to the orientation of the heel lock down 81 shown in FIGS. 8B and 8C.

FIGS. 9A to 9C show a second embodiment of a riser and heel lock down interface 90. FIG. 9A is an isometric view of the riser and heel lock down interface 90 and the tour mode interface 70 attached to a first ski 11. FIG. 9B is a detailed view of the riser and heel lock down interface 90, which, in a first implementation, can include a riser base 91 and a first riser 92. In a further implementation, the riser and heel lock down interface 90 can also include a second riser 93. The riser and heel lock down interface 90 can serve a dual purpose as a multiple height climbing riser and a heel lock down. FIG. 9C is a more detailed view of the riser base 91, which can have a forward riser slot 94, a back riser slot 95, a riser support 96, mounting holes 97, a shim 98, and riser retention tabs 101, 102. The first riser 92 and the second riser 93 can be made from round metal wire such as stainless steel, aluminum, titanium, carbon steel, etc. The risers can also be machined, forged, cast, molded, fabricated, etc. from stainless steel, aluminum, titanium, carbon steel, or any number of materials. In some embodiments, the first riser 92 and the second riser 93 can be substantially U-shaped. In other embodiments, the risers 92, 93 may comprise other suitable shapes and configurations.

FIGS. 10A to 10D show the riser and heel lock down interface 90 with the first riser 92 and the second riser 93 in various positions. For example, FIG. 10A shows the risers 92, 93 in a “zero rise position.” In such a configuration, the first riser 92 is substantially horizontal and resting on the first ski 11. A first riser hold down tab 101 provides a light vertical constraint to hold down the first riser 92. The second riser 93 is also substantially horizontal and resting on the first ski 11. A second riser hold down tab 102 provides a light vertical constraint to hold down the second riser 93.

FIG. 10B shows the second riser 93 of the riser and heel lock down interface 90 in the “short rise position.” In such a configuration, the second riser 93 has been rotated along path “A” and is held substantially vertical in a back riser slot 95.

FIG. 10C shows the first riser 92 of the riser and heel lock down interface 90 in the “tall rise position.” In such a configuration, the first riser 92 has been rotated along path “B” and is held almost substantially vertical in a forward riser slot 94.

FIG. 10D shows the first riser 92 of the riser and heel lock down interface 90 in the “heel lock down position.” The first riser 92 has been pulled forward and up along path “C” in a lock down slot 103. A riser support 96 holds the first riser 92 in position.

FIGS. 11A to 11C show side views of the binding interface 40 attached to the tour mode 70 and the riser and heel lock down interface 90. FIG. 11A shows the binding interface 40 resting in a substantially horizontal configuration while the riser and heel lock down interface 90 is in the “zero rise position” shown in FIG. 10A. The first riser 92 rests below the binding interface 40. The binding interface 40 can pivot freely on the first attachment pin 45 in the tour mode interface 70.

FIG. 11B shows the binding interface 40 in an inclined position with the heel side base portion 50 resting on the first riser 92, which is in the “tall rise position” shown in FIG. 10C. The binding interface 40 can pivot freely on the first attachment pin 45 in the tour mode interface 70.

FIG. 11C shows the binding interface 40 resting in a substantially horizontal configuration with the first riser 92 in the “heel lock down position” shown in FIG. 10D. The first riser 92 rests on the riser support 96 (shown in FIG. 10D) such that the seam pin 52 can extend through the first riser 92, thereby restraining the binding interface 40 from pivoting about the tour mode interface 70. Advantageously, such configurations of the binding interface 40 attached to the tour mode interface 70 and restrained from pivoting with the riser and heel lock down 90 allow users to, for example, skate ski like an alpine skier through flat areas, side step up hills, and traverse.

FIG. 12A to 12F show isometric views of the binding interface 40 attached to the tour mode interface 70 and the riser and heel lock down interface 90. FIG. 12A is an isometric view of the binding interface 40 attached to the tour mode interface 70 and the riser and heel lock down 90 in the “zero rise position” shown in FIG. 10A. FIG. 12B is a detailed view of FIG. 12A showing the first riser 92 resting below the seam pin 52.

FIG. 12C shows the binding interface 40 with the lever 51 of the heel side base portion 50 in an open position with the seam pin 52 retracted into heel side base portion 50. The riser and heel lock down 90 is in the “heel locked down position” shown in FIG. 10D. At least a portion of the first riser 92 rests in front of the heel side base portion 50. FIG. 12D is a detailed view of FIG. 12C showing the relative positions of the first riser 92 and the heel side base portion 50.

FIG. 12E shows the binding interface 40 with the lever 51 of heel side base portion 50 in a closed position and the riser and heel lock down interface 90 in the “heel locked down position.” The seam pin 52 is extended through the first riser 92 as the lever 51 is closed. The seam pin 52 comes into contact with the first riser 92 preventing the binding interface 40 from pivoting on the tour mode interface 70.

FIG. 13A shows a detailed side cross sectional view of the riser and heel lock down interface 90 with the first riser 92 and the second riser 9 in various positions. That is, the first riser 92 is shown in three different positions, which are identified by reference numerals 92A, 92B, and 92C. Similarly, the second riser 93 is shown in two different positions, identified by reference numerals 93A and 93B.

Continuing with reference to FIG. 13A, in a first configuration, the first riser 92A is in the “zero rise position” shown in FIG. 10A. A bump 131 prevents the first riser 92A from sliding forward in a heel lock down slot 103. A small force is required to pull the first riser 92A over the bump 131. In a second configuration, the first riser 92B is in the “heel locked down position.” The bump 132 prevents the first riser 92B from sliding back in the heel lock down slot 103. A small force is required to push the first riser 92B over the bump 132. A stop 135 prevents the first riser 92B from being pulled further forward.

FIG. 13B is another detailed side cross sectional view of the riser and heel lock down interface 90 with a riser base 91 and a shim 98. The shim 98 has a boss 138 which protrudes through the riser base 91. A mounting screw 99 bottoms out on the boss 138 of the shim 98 leaving a small amount of clearance between the riser base 91 and the head of the mounting screw 99. The riser base 91 is allowed to flex upwards as the first riser 92 is pulled over the bumps 131, 132 (shown in FIG. 13A).

FIG. 13C is bottom view of the riser and heel lock down 90 showing further detail of the bottom of the riser base 91 with the heel lock down slot 103 and stops 135. The first riser 92 has flanges 134 that rest in a heel lock down slot 103. When the first riser 92 is in the “heel locked down position” shown in FIG. 10D, the flanges 134 hit stops 135 preventing the first riser 92 from being pulled out of the heel lock down slot 103.

There can be numerous embodiments of a heel lock down feature engaging a binding interface. For example, some embodiments may include having the seam pin 52 of the heel side base portion 50 of the binding interface 40 attach to the first riser 92 of the riser and heel lock down interface 90. Other embodiments can have the heel lock down feature attach to the binding interface through rotation of components, clamping of components, and/or extension of components into one another. In some embodiments, portions of the binding interface, or the entire binding interface, can move to engage the heel lock down feature. In some embodiments, portions of the heel lock down feature, or the entire heel lock down feature, can move to engage the binding interface. Accordingly, it should be understood that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be modified, combined with, or substituted for one another in order to form varying modes of the disclosed apparatus, systems, and methods.

FIGS. 14A to 14D illustrate embodiments of the binding interface 40 having a crampon interface 140. FIG. 14A is a side view of the binding interface 40 with the crampon interface 140 attached to the binding interface 40. In some embodiments, the binding interface 40 has a front crampon attachment 141 which as shown as a cap head screw. The front crampon attachment 141 is shown near a front portion of the binding interface 140. A first crampon attachment portion 143 of the crampon interface 140 engages the front crampon attachment 141 of the binding interface 40. In some embodiments, the first crampon attachment portion 143 can be a hook. When the first crampon attachment portion 143 of the crampon interface 140 engages the front crampon attachment 141 of the binding interface 40, the crampon interface 140 is constrained from motion in at least three directions. For example, as shown in FIGS. 14A-D, the crampon interface 140 can be substantially constrained from moving vertically up, vertically down, and forward with respect to, and when engaged with, the binding interface 40.

FIG. 14B is an isometric view of the binding interface 40 with the crampon interface 140. In the illustrated embodiment, the crampon interface 140 is fully constrained to binding interface 40 when the lever 51 of the heel side base portion 50 is in a closed position and the seam pin 52 is extended through a second crampon attachment 142, which is shown as a loop, and the first crampon attachment portion 143 of the crampon 140 is attached to front crampon attachment 141. In such a configuration, the binding interface 40 is attached to the tour mode interface 70. Advantageously, with the crampon interface 140 attached to the binding interface 40 the system provides additional traction to a user while touring, for example, in hard or icy snow conditions.

FIG. 14C is a side view of the binding interface 40 where the first crampon attachment portion 143 of the crampon interface 140 engages the front crampon attachment 141 of binding interface 40. In such a configuration, the lever 51 of the heel side base portion 50 is in an open position, thereby allowing the crampon interface 140 to be installed or removed from binding interface 40.

FIG. 14D is an isometric view of the binding interface 40 where the first crampon attachment portion 143 of the crampon interface 140 engages the front crampon attachment 141 of binding interface 40. Similar to FIG. 14C, the lever 51 of the heel side base portion 50 is in an open position, thereby allowing the crampon interface 140 to be installed or removed from binding interface 40. In the illustrated embodiment, the seam pin 52 of the heel side base portion 50 is retracted allowing the second crampon attachment 142 to clear the heel side base portion 50 when rotated into place.

FIGS. 15A and 15B show a perspective view of the binding interface 40 and a snow shoe interface 150. In some embodiments, the binding interface 40 attaches to the snow shoe interface 150 through a snow shoe attachment 153. The first attachment pin 45 of binding interface 40 can engage one or more hook features 152 of the snow shoe attachment 153 to secure a front portion of the binding interface 40 to the snow shoe interface 150. The seam pin 52 of the binding interface 40 can engage a flange 151 of the snow shoe attachment 153 to releasably attach the binding interface 40 to the snow shoe interface 150. FIG. 15B shows the binding interface 40 removed from the snow shoe interface 150. Dashed lines show where, in some embodiments, the binding interface 40 attaches to the snow shoe attachment 153. The seam pin 52 of the binding interface 40 can be retracted, thereby disengaging the binding interface 40 from the snow shoe attachment 153 of the snow shoe interface 150.

The binding apparatus and systems, and components thereof, disclosed herein and described in more detail above may be manufactured using any of a variety of materials and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, one or more metals, such as, for example, aluminum, stainless steel, steel, brass, titanium, alloys thereof, other similar metals, and/or combinations thereof may be used to manufacture one or more of the components of the splitboard binding apparatus and systems of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, one or more plastics may be used to manufacture one or more components of the splitboard binding apparatus and systems of the present disclosure. In yet further embodiments, carbon-reinforced materials, such as carbon-reinforced plastics, may be used to manufacture one or more components of the splitboard binding apparatus of the present disclosure. In additional embodiments, different components using different materials may be manufactured to achieve desired material characteristics for the different components and the splitboard binding apparatus as a whole.

Some embodiments of the apparatus, systems, and methods disclosed herein may use or employ apparatus, systems, methods, components, or features disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/604,256, which was filed on Oct. 22, 2009 and was published as U.S. Patent Publication No. 2010/0102522 on Apr. 29, 2010, entitled “Splitboard Binding Apparatus,” the entire content of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Conditional language such as, among others, “can,” “could,” “might,” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, are otherwise understood within the context as used in general to convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certain features, elements, and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements, and/or steps are in any way required for one or more embodiments.

Conjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, and Z,” unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with the context as used in general to convey that an item, term, etc. may be either X, Y, or Z. Thus, such conjunctive language is not generally intended to imply that certain embodiments require at least one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z to each be present.

It should be emphasized that many variations and modifications may be made to the embodiments disclosed herein, the elements of which are to be understood as being among other acceptable examples. Accordingly, it should be understood that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with or substituted for one another in order to form varying modes of the disclosed apparatus, systems, and methods. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included and fall within the scope of the embodiments disclosed herein. 

1. An apparatus for use on a splitboard to convert the splitboard between a ride mode and a tour mode, the apparatus comprising: a binding interface comprising a first attachment portion, a second attachment portion generally opposing the first attachment portion, and a third attachment portion disposed generally between the first attachment portion and the second attachment portion; wherein the binding interface is configured to removably attach to a ride mode interface of a splitboard in a ride mode configuration and the binding interface is configured to removably attach to a tour mode interface of a splitboard in a tour mode configuration; wherein the first attachment portion of the binding interface is configured to engage the ride mode interface to secure a first portion of the binding interface to the ride mode interface; wherein the second attachment portion of the binding interface is configured to releasably couple a second portion of the binding interface to the ride mode interface such that the first portion of the binding interface generally opposes the second portion of the binding interface; wherein the third attachment portion of the binding interface is configured to engage more than one interface; wherein the binding interface securely joins splitboard halves to form a snowboard when the binding interface is attached to the ride mode interface.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the third attachment portion of the binding interface is configured to selectively attach to the ride mode interface.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the third attachment portion of the binding interface is configured to selectively attach to the tour mode interface.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the binding interface is configured to selectively attach to a heel lock down interface when the binding interface is attached to the tour mode interface.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the third attachment portion of the binding interface is configured to selectively attach to a crampon interface.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the third attachment portion of the binding interface is configured to engage two or more of the following interfaces: the ride mode interface, the tour mode interface, a heel lock down interface, a heel riser interface, a riser and heel lock down interface, a crampon interface, and a snow shoe interface.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the third attachment portion is configured to engage a single interface at a given time.
 8. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the third attachment portion is configured to engage multiple interfaces simultaneously.
 9. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the third attachment portion of the binding interface comprises a retractable pin.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the ride mode interface includes at least one toe receiving mechanism mounted to a first or second ski and at least one heel receiving mechanism mounted to the other of the first and second ski, and wherein the first attachment portion of the binding interface is configured to engage the toe receiving mechanism of the ride mode interface and the second attachment portion of the binding interface is configured to engage the heel receiving mechanism of the ride mode interface.
 11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the more than one engagement portion comprises the toe receiving mechanism and the heel receiving mechanism.
 12. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the third attachment portion of the binding interface is configured to engage the toe receiving mechanism at or near a seam of the splitboard.
 13. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the third attachment portion of the binding interface is configured to engage the heel receiving mechanism at or near a seam of the splitboard.
 14. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the third attachment portion of the binding interface is configured to engage the ride mode interface to define a preload such that a seam of the splitboard is substantially pulled up to the binding interface.
 15. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the binding interface is configured to receive a boot.
 16. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the binding interface is integral with a boot.
 17. An system for use with a splitboard to convert the splitboard between a ride mode and a tour mode, the system comprising: a binding interface, wherein the binding interface is configured to removably attach to a ride mode interface of a splitboard in a ride mode configuration and the binding interface is configured to removably attach to a tour mode interface of a splitboard in a tour mode configuration; and a heel riser interface comprising at least one height position configured to raise a user's heels while climbing, wherein at least one component of the heel riser interface is also configured to selectively lock a heel of the binding interface down when the binding interface is attached to the tour mode interface.
 18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the heel riser interface comprises a base portion and a climbing wire.
 19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the at least one component of the heel riser interface comprises the climbing wire.
 20. A heel lock down interface for use with a splitboard binding attached to a tour mode of a splitboard binding apparatus, the heel lock down interface comprising a heel riser system comprising at least one component, wherein the at least one component of the heel riser system is configured to lock the heel of the splitboard binding down to a splitboard ski. 